OC alumnus wins Emmy Award

Oklahoma Christian alumnus Lucas Ross won an Emmy Award over the weekend for his work on the “2 Movie Guys’ Intergalactic Holiday Showdown.”

The show, produced and directed by Ross and fellow “movie guy” Ryan Bellgardt, won in the “Arts/Entertainment - Program/Special” category at the Heartland Emmys.

Ross said they were surprised to win against such stiff competition, especially because their show was an unconventional comedy going against news productions and special concert series.

“It was a shock! I honestly don’t remember anything that happened when I heard our names called. I just sat there frozen and my wife Aubrie shook me and said, ‘Go get your trophy,’ so I guess I did; at least, there’s one sitting in my living room now,” Ross said.

The Heartland Emmy Awards honor work produced for the large markets of Denver and Oklahoma City or smaller markets within the region. The Heartland chapter is one of 19 chapters of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

The “Intergalactic Holiday Showdown” aired on KFOR and KAUT in Oklahoma City on Christmas night last December. In addition to producing and directing, Ross and Bellgardt starred in the show, which featured green aliens, snazzy costumes, and the 2 Movie Guys’ trademark humor.

“Our show was a holiday special that took place in outer space. Ryan and I got kidnapped by aliens who needed us to help them fight an evildoer,” Ross said. “The goal was to be home in time for the holidays. It was pretty much your typical Christmas story.”

Except for the aliens and outer space part!

In addition to Ross and Bellgardt, Andrew Swanson was the show’s chief cinematographer, Benjamin Ehrlich was the chief sound design director, and Kevin Barrett served as segment producer.

Ross has worked for KFOR and KAUT since 2007, and has teamed with Bellgardt to host the Saturday night movie at 7 p.m. on KAUT since August 2008.

Ross graduated from Oklahoma Christian with a mass communication/theatre degree in 2003. He spent his final semester as an OC student in Los Angeles, interning with Carsey-Werner Productions and working on TV programs like “That ’70s Show,” “The Tracy Morgan Show” and “Grounded for Life.”

The opportunity came through Oklahoma Christian’s membership in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. As part of the CCCU program, Ross attended the Los Angeles Film Studies Center, which helps prepare students to work in the film industry with the hope that they will positively influence the industry. The institute also introduces students to the aesthetic and practical aspects of filmmaking and the study of the relationship between faith, film and popular culture.